Quick Honeymoon ideas for Nov?
 

My brother is quickly getting married in a few weeks (don't ask) and only has 4 nights after the wedding to take a quick trip. They like cities and would be leaving from SFO. He considered Hawaii since it would feel like "a honeymoon" but he's not really into beach locations and doesn't like laying around pools. They enjoy sightseeing and so he was thinking of NYC but it's a long flight -- he is also considering Chicago.

Are there cities in Southwest that might fit the bill? Southwest cities would be warmer which would be a plus.

Hawaii would be perfect. Honolulu/Waikiki on Oahu specifically. It's definitely a city. They don't have to lay around the beach or pool, there's loads of great sightseeing, history, and interesting things to do to fill a 4-day trip. Plus they could get a nonstop flight out of SFO. And yes it is "romantic" and truly "honeymoon" worthy.

>>but he's not really into beach locations and doesn't like laying around pools. <<

There is plenty to do say on Oahu w/o laying by a pool. The Arizona Memorial, Iolani Palace, Diamondhead, etc. Since it would essentially only be 3 full days HI might be good.

Or how about a loop drive from Las Vegas to Zion and/or Bryce and/or the Grand Canyon.

we were posting the same time.

Let's make it three of us recommending Hawaii. I'd recommend they stay right on Waikiki - choose one of the wonderful historic hotels right on the beach such as the Moana Surfrider or the Royal Hawaiian. (These are Starwood properties if they have any points to use)

There are lots of restaurants within walking distance and interesting sightseeing. If they plan to stay on Waikiki, don't rent a car - it will just be an encumbrance.

Well, I'd choose Hawaii, too, but otherwise, Santa Fe is great--art, architecture, food, shopping, scenic drives, Native American history and culture. I love Tucson, but it's more for nature lovers, IMO.

I love Santa Fe, but it will be cold in November.

No colder than Chicago, which he is also considering.

Average high temp in Chicago in Nov is 48, average low is 32.

Average high in Santa Fe is 56, average low is 26.

What about taking a short honeymoon in someplace close like Napa, Sonoma, Carmel, etc. and take the main honeymoon in May or September when weather is warmer and kids are in school.

Before I also recommend Hawaii, there's two things you need to know:
1) In our 33 years of marriage, during which we had amorous nights in all 50 states, Hawaii was BY FAR our favorite spot for romance.
2) Sitting by a pool or at a beach is at the BOTTOM of things we'd enjoy doing together -- which is why we never did either during our two weeks in Hawaii.

There's history, culture, mountain scenery, hula shows, luaus, shopping, and a dozen other things to enjoy, even if your attitude about water is identical to that of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Brother just clarified that it's 3 nights, not 4. Leave on Thu and return on Sunday. Does that eliminate Hawaii or you think it's still worth it when they just have 2 non-travel days?

They've been to Sonoma (they don't drink), Carmel, L.A., SD. He was thinking of heading North but I think it's very rainy in Oregon. They do like to drive so maybe Vegas and Grand Canyon? I'll look into Santa Fe too.

Yes, it has been dumping rain here in OR! I will say it is still a beautiful area, but if one doesn't want rain, this is not the place to come;) It hasn't been cold at all though, yet.

Personally, I enjoy HI, but am not enamored with it like others are. I would not want to honeymoon there, but that is just me.

Hawaii would be a lot of travel for just 3 nights, but there are a number of lovely inns along the coast between SF and Fort Brag. We really enjoyed our stays at Glendeven, and it would be a beautiful spot for a honeymoon trip. It's possible to walk across the main road and then continue through a meadow right out to the Pacific, with glimpses of deer and such along the way.

You'd lose two half days in travel to Hawaii from SFO, but the 3 hours time difference will make it seem earlier when you land, and a longer journey when you leave.

I'd lean against that much travel time for such a short stay, and there's so much to see and do on Oahu alone... but it's not the craziest idea I've ever heard, especially for a honeymoon, which deserves a grand gesture, IMO.

I love the PNW, but dumping rain is not my idea of a chill honeymoon, sorry!

If they like to drive, how about Palm Springs/Palm Desert?

I live in Seattle and love it here but the Pacific NW is not the place to visit in November - even the locals leave in November if they can, as it is the wettest month of the year.

With a mere 3 nights - just two full days, Honolulu may be too far, too much travel time. Up to them.

I concur with NewbE's suggestion of Palm Springs.

Palm Springs, San Diego or Yosemite . . .

I would have recommended Santa Fe, also, for something different but not that far. They have to kind of be interested in some outdoors things, though, to make the most of it, at least some national parks or Indian ruins. If they want to sightsee in a city, that's something different.

He's probably done a lot of places in California or knows about them, already, I imagine.

How about Austin, TX or San Antonio? It's 85 in Austin.

Grass Valley/Nevada City.

Another recommendation for Palm Springs. Lots of cool places to stay and eat, and Joshua Tree NP is fantastic for day trips.

Santa Barbara would be another idea - beautiful city, historic sites, "Sideways" wine country close by.